It's been causing a stir in beauty salons for some years now. Kobido massage promises lifted skin in just a few strokes. But how does it work? Can you do it at home? We tell you all about it!

What is the Kobido technique?

You may already have heard of it: Kobido massage is an aesthetic technique from Japan that has been all the rage in spas and beauty salons for some years now. The idea? Prevent the appearance of wrinkles, boost blood circulation and relieve facial muscle tension. Also known as the natural face-lift, the Kobido method, like facial yoga (which involves a facial gym for the muscles of the face), revolves entirely around a multitude of highly specific massage techniques. These aim to tighten the skin, by boosting blood microcirculation (under the pressure of massages) and the lymphatic system (which eliminates waste products from the body).

A little history ...

The true technique of Kobido massage is taught by masters and practiced by few people around the world. Its creation dates back to the 15th century! This ancestral massage prevents the effects of aging and has long been reserved for the Japanese elite. The reason why Kobido massage focuses on the face is that it is considered a central zone where all the body's meridians join. The result? If the face feels good, then everything feels good!

Why choose kobido massage over other massages?

If you're looking to relax, an ordinary massage can do the trick, but if you're looking for an anti-aging effect, then Kobido massage is for you. More than just an aesthetic sequence, Kobido massage is an art, a moment of grace that we treat ourselves to in order to take care of ourselves. The practice of Kobido is based on over a thousand techniques and 48 ways of applying them, depending on the area of the face you wish to target. A cream is generally preferred to avoid any unforeseen slippage during the massage, as each gesture must be precise. During the massage, the practitioner performs a veritable choreography involving the use of fingers, wrists and even forearms! These vigorous (but gentle, as facial skin remains fragile) massages work in depth, and it's this ingenious mechanism that delivers the long-awaited results of a natural facelift. For effective results and long-lasting effects, a total of around ten sessions is required. This aesthetic massage is only really useful when the skin begins to mature, so it's pleasant but of little use before the age of thirty.

Is Kobido massage possible at home?

As stated above, true Kobido is an art taught by masters! Institutes generally offer a lighter version. This is effective, but not to the same extent. This is the technique that can eventually be practised at home. Daily practice can be an excellent complement to our usual skin care routine, and if you combine it with facial gymnastics (or facial yoga), you can expect results that are well worth the effort. Kobido massage requires a precise technique that is difficult to explain in writing and without visual aids. Fortunately, effective tutorials abound on the Net, and a number of books are beginning to appear on the subject, such as KOBIDO: Le Lifting Naturel Japonais by Aline Faucheur, published by Hachette. It's also possible to get advice from a beauty institute, or even take a course from a master (but it's a different budget and takes time...).

Quelques infos utiles pour un bon massage maison

Before any massage, make sure your skin is thoroughly cleansed. An effective massage should last at least fifteen minutes to activate the desired effects. After removing make-up and cleansing the face with a neutral soap, prepare the skin with a steam bath. What does it do? Steam opens the pores and relaxes the epidermis, making it not only more malleable but also more receptive to the tensions exerted and to the cream applied to nourish the skin.

Once the cream has been applied, the massage can begin! First, work on lymphatic drainage by massaging the sides of the neck with circular movements of the fingertips.

• To act on the oval of the face and tighten it, start under the chin, using the thumbs to pinch the skin, working gently up to the ears. Repeat the pinching, this time moving down the jawline to the chin.
• To reactivate subcutaneous microcirculation, we use lively (but never aggressive) movements from the bottom of the cheeks to the top of the cheekbones.
• To smooth the skin around the lips, massage the area in a circular motion. To smooth the nasal fold, press your fingers into the nasolabial fold from the lips to the inner corner of the eyes.
• To smooth crow's feet, stretch the skin upwards towards the temples.
• For an overall effect on the face, smooth the skin from bottom to top and from inside to outside.

Once these gestures have been completed, for a tenfold effect, in addition to the facial exercise, take the time to apply your facial routine , including tonic lotion (or a hydrolat), serum, cream, eye contour treatment, lip balm or eyelash serum, to complete the treatment! These brief instructions are not intended to replace a real Kobido massage, but can be used as a complement between two sessions.